A qualification earned overseas can be difficult to explain in an Australian job application. A separate question is how a person’s skills compare with workplace expectations. VETASSESS is drawing attention to two paid services that address those questions, but prospective applicants should check what each assessment can and cannot establish.
The Qualification Comparison Service, or QCS, assesses the educational level of an overseas qualification against the Australian Qualifications Framework. Its outcome can help a graduate describe a qualification to an employer or education provider in terms they recognise. VETASSESS says the comparison takes account of factors including the status of the awarding institution, the course structure and its entry requirements.
There are limits to that outcome. QCS does not determine whether someone meets Australian licensing requirements, qualifies for professional membership or is eligible for a job. It is also not a skills assessment for migration purposes. VETASSESS advises applicants to check with the relevant licensing or professional body before paying for a comparison. The service does not assess trade qualifications, incomplete courses or short courses.
Career Boost addresses a different part of the job search. It assesses ten transferable skills, including communication, numeracy, digital fluency, collaboration, problem solving and planning. Participants receive feedback on their strengths and areas for development, recommendations and a digital credential. VETASSESS says the service is intended for skilled migrants, people early in their careers and other job seekers seeking feedback on their workplace skills.
Both services carry a fee. VETASSESS currently lists QCS at $335.50 for applicants in Australia, including GST. The listed Career Boost fee is $325.60 including GST. Neither service should be mistaken for a promise of employment or, in the case of QCS, permission to practise a regulated profession.
For someone deciding which assessment to pursue, the distinction is practical: QCS compares the level of a recognised overseas qualification, while Career Boost provides feedback on transferable workplace skills. Applicants can review the requirements and apply through the QCS and Career Boost pages.
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